Riverview Medical Center
Pediatric ER Suite / Observation
Red Bank, New Jersey

Size: 1697 sf
Client: Meridian Health
Schedule: Completion July 2009
Recognition:

HealthCare Design Magazine
2010 Architectural Showcase

This project involved converting an existing administrative space of an Emergency Department into a fully functioning state-of-the-art, Pediatrics Observation and Emergency Room Suite. The project provides for two exam rooms and three observation bays and a nurses station in 1697 square feet. We rose to the challenge of designing a fully functioning Pediatric ER suite in a limited footprint. Our goal was to foster an environment that would shield children and their families from the chaos that accompanies a busy ER department while greatly improving upon the delivery of quality medical care.

Taking our cue from evidence based design studies on pediatric care, as for example the recently published Evidence for Innovation, Transforming Children’s Health through the Physical Environment, the first comprehensive study on the effect of the physical environment on children in healthcare settings, the design incorporates noise reduction strategies; access to natural light and views in every room; single rooms instead of wards, social spaces in patient rooms; and a playful child-themed décor with exam and waiting areas with access to Apple I-pods and child appropriate movies, games, music, email, and internet access.

Photos by Sam Oberter Photography